#habarana

[eventsandfestivals]

Nature-Focused Business Retreats

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana redefines business retreats with its nature-friendly meeting spaces. Conduct impactful meetings amidst lush greenery and tranquil surroundings.

[mlm-blues]

isaaac how drink are yuo?

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[projectourworld]

A rickshaw drives past a wild elephant crossing a road in Habarana, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s elephants are facing a crisis, and there have been an increasing number of elephant deaths in recent years mainly due to conflict with humans.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images / Guardian #srilanka

[balapann-blog]

Day 109 - 24 December - Habarana > Dambulla

We got up a bit later and had breakfast, packed and checked out and got the same jeep guy to take us to Dambulla cave monastery which had another similarly long climb before getting to them. The caves were pretty amazing iots of them had large carved reclining Buddhas and other carved Buddha and other deities, as well as incredible painted cave walls and ceilings from the 17th century.

After that we got back into the jeep and went to our new hotel that is quite lux. We have been in a bit of a standoff with them as they have been insisting that we get their gala dinner but we didn’t want to go to it so had decided to go to town for dinner.

We had a snack of sandwiches and the famous king coconuts which we had been told about as something that is indigenous to Sri Lanka. The sandwiches were fine but very overpriced. We then went for a walk around the grounds, including finding another swimming pool, and numerous tree houses amongst the villas. We then had a swim before getting a drink at the bar before going out. There was a little choir singing slightly out of tune carols but were very sweet. We went to order a taxi to the town and had another stand off with the manager who said ‘but we have a gala dinner here’. When we said it was too expensive she said she would offer a special price ($40 per head) she then asked our room number, saw she had obviously offered the price over email and then said in a very passive aggressive way ‘when would you like your rickshaw?’

We got our rickshaws to take us to a restaurant, but realised halfway through that they thought it was in the town, which we then only realised wasn’t. So we ended up just going to town to a restaurant that was well reviewed. When we got there it was empty and was playing music very loud, so we went next door to Pizza Hut! It was actually really nice (I got a butter chicken pizza!) and quite funny. After that we got our rickshaws back via a supermarket getting things for the journey the next morning.

Back at the hotel the gala was in, I would say half swing. There was lots of music and people on tables but I wouldn’t say it was full. We got a drink on the edge of the action (including a single arak to share which was strong! Quite like rum) and chatted a bit before going to bed, looking forward to santa and his reindeer coming over the tropics. The music continued till about 12.30 and Nin is convinced they put us so close to the action out of spite for the dinner but it was fine in the end., a much better nights sleep than my ill fated stay in a Vietnam Backpacker Hostel on Christmas Eve 2018.

Day 110 - 25 December - Dambulla > Kandy

We got up and went for a Christmas swim, which was very nice and then after we went to breakfast. It was a bit of a random breakfast but was nice enough. After breakfast we all gave each other our presents which was very nice! We then had to pack up and check out and were then picked up by Kalpa, our usual jeep guys friend as his jeep was in the garage. The drive was about 3 hours and with Nin and I in the back of the jeep, it was a bit bumpy but we made it to our Airbnb which is on a gold course about 40 mins outside Kandy.

The place is really nice and has lots of poured concrete everywhere and a really nice pool. I read my book for a lot of the day, as I had started The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri which I had bought in Kochi. We then had a nice swim in the pool and had dinner cooked by the caretaker of the house. After dinner we played a very complicated game that Nna’s sister Sophie had given her for Christmas and en went to bed (Nin and I both read some more before sleeping).

Day 111 - 26 December - Kandy

We got up and had some delicious fruit for breakfast. After that we got in a taxi and went to Kandy itself. We went to a clothes department store very quickly and then o the botanic gardens. I forgot my phone and so had to rawdog the whole experience. It was very hot so we chilled out in the shade of the massive trees. We then got our very hot, ACless taxi back to the house, saying we would stay in our villa all day the next day!

When we got back I read some more and then went for a swim, after which I finished my book! We then had dinner and payed the Chameleon which is another game that Sophie had bought. This was slightly more successful. After which we went to bed.

Day 112 - 27 December - Kandy

We really didn’t do much in the day. We had all dedicated this day our chill out in the beautiful airbnb day and were determined to enjoy it.

We woke up and had breakfast in the terrace and then I read and played some chess. The main excitement came when Nin said ‘are you ready to defend he house from the intruders?’he intruders was a family of monkeys who were having a nice time by the pool and wrestling and swinging in the trees. We then had lunch and they then started climbing up the house and looking round the corner of the balcony. We shooed them away and Pushpa, our very nice cook threw some rocks at them and went to see if the pool was okay.

After relaxing a little more, we decided to try and do our exercise which we had anted to do before a swim. I did some stretching and Nin did some skipping, we went down to the pool and the monkeys promptly came back, all moving moving independently but as if they were in unison out to make mischief. Nin and Sophie had a swim with the monkeys coming in and out of shot. I then came down and had a bit of a swim in a lul, but got out when what looked like the biggest of the group started walking around the edge slightly menacingly and some of the other males joined.

After a while a neighbour must have got annoyed with the because we heard multiple loud bangs like gun shots but probably fire crackers that scared them off properly because my feeble attempts to clap at them did nothing.

We had a very nice final dinner in the house and went to bed quite early.

Day 113 - 28 December - Kandy > Colombo

We got up and had another breakfast of fruit and omelettes,soaking up the view. We packed up and gave Sophie some of the things we d but didn’t want to carry for the rest of the trip (my suit for me). We relaxed before out taxi arrived and we all piled in.

The journey was generally uneventful. The most notable thing was the steep decent from Kandy that took about 30 mins all in all but was a taken very slowly but most cars. The view on both sides was running and you didn’t really see what the decent had been like till we got to the bottom of it and looked back at the hills. We also stopped for a king coconut juice, although i was still listening to my podcast and in the pictures I ended up looking like a teenager being very antisocial.

We got to our hotel and checked in. Following that we went to a shop nearby that Sophie had been recommended which was effectively a Sri Lanka reduce shop We then to a couple of tuk tuks to the restraurant we had booked that was very nice in a courtyard on a lane. We had lots of small plates and a couple of large ones. Highlights include a lobster with a kind of seafood ravioli, a chicken kabab, some mackerel with a horseradish cream and a sort of ceviche like fish dish. It had lots of Sri Lankan spins to it and the cocktails were really nice. My fav was rum, tamarind and chilli.

We were very full and went back to the hotel and had a drink in Sophie’s room before going to bed very stuffed.

Day 114 - 29 December - Colombo > Bangkok

We woke up very early to go and say goodbye to Sophie who was getting an early flight. We then had a coffee and went to the gym which was really nice. I did a bit of a run then a stretch. We then packed, said goodbye to Taru and Ian Nina’s parents and checked out ourselves. It was very hot and we needed a drink so we went to the roof bar for a lime soda before leaving our bags and heading out.

We looked through a couple of shops and then went for a drink in a restaurant near the place we had been the night before. We had a tamarind frozen Margherita which was very delicious. We then walked back to the hotel and and got our bags and a taxi to the airport. We were very early but were going to sit in a lounge and chill out but the the bag check did not open or an hour and a half, so we had to in departures. It was actually fine and I managed to get through most of The Country Girls by Edna O’Brien. We did then drop our bags and went to the lounge where we had a beer and a cold buffet and sat in a comfy chair.

[tours2go]

Start your Sri Lanka holiday with ease by booking this private arrival transfer from Colombo Bandaranayake International Airport (BIA / CMB) of Sri Lanka to your hotel,  Le Grand Meaulnes Family Hotel, Habarana. Your friendly and professional driver will greet you upon your arrival and drive you directly to your holiday destination in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle. It’s that easy. #Tours2Go #ToursToGo

[spaandwellness]

Unwind in Tranquility

Immerse in serene relaxation at the Svastha Serene Spa at Habarana Village by Cinnamon and enjoy bespoke treatments designed to rejuvenate body and mind.

[thedineandwine]

Sip and Savor at Martin's Bar

Unwind with a signature cocktail or a classic favourite at Martin's Bar at Habarana Village by Cinnamon and enjoy a cosy atmosphere with stunning views of the lush Habarana surroundings.

[allinonecc]

Exploring the Magnificent Wilds: The Unforgettable Minneriya Jeep Safari Adventure

The biggest concentration of wild Asian elephants in the entire world may be found in Sri Lanka's Minneriya National Park, which is home to a wide variety of species. Nearly 31,000 hectares make up Minneriya National Park. 

Nearly 170 bird species and other animals are also found in the area. Jeep safaris are a popular way for visitors to go through the park, increasing their chances of seeing park animals in their natural habitat at twilight.

Usually lasting three hours, a Minneriya jeep safari can be tailored to include either a morning or an evening safari. Try a half-day or full-day Minneriya jeep safari if you also want to explore the park leisurely and capture amazing photos. Visitors are likely to witness wild elephants, a variety of other animals, and numerous birds in their native environments while on a safari.

The dry season, which lasts from June to September, is the ideal time to go on a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park because that is when the elephants congregate around the tank in search of food and water.

The iconic "minneriya great elephant gathering" takes place annually between July and August at the boundary of the Minneriya tank.

Minneriya Safari Tours offers affordable Jeep safaris in the Minneriya National Park, including hotel pickup and drop-off services from Sigiriya, Habarana, Dambulla, Kandalama, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Passikuddah, and Kandy. All-inclusive Jeep Safari Adventures to Minneriya National Park are offered by Minneriya Safari Tours and include a private safari jeep, park admission fees, and all other fees. (https://minneriyasafari.com) To ensure the safety of both wildlife and people, it is also essential to pay attention to the Minneriya park's rules and regulations. 

Overall, a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park is an unforgettable adventure that gives guests the chance to see Sri Lanka's magnificent wildlife in its original habitat. One of the finest experiences you should once in a lifetime is the Minneriya safari.

[serendibity]

The Train

For someone who has survived the train system in Burma, I’m out of practice when it comes to lumbering steel boxes à la British colonialism. This one doesn’t look like it’s been updated since it was first commissioned in the early 1950s.

The train to Habarana departs Colombo at 6 AM and will take approximately six hours to reach my destination. I’m looking forward to finally getting some kip because, for the next quarter day, there’s not much else to do.

Until I wake up midway through the air, bouncing back in my seat with a vengeance. Completely startled and looking around in confusion, I see other passengers have just experienced the same rollercoaster I have, and nervous titters echo through the corridor. I glance at my phone to check the time, and it’s only been 15 minutes since we left.

I guess I won’t take a nap then.

In addition to rising and falling, the train shakes back and forth as it speeds down the track at 50 kph. I grab onto anything stable and pray that my backpack doesn’t fall on my head. A passing train in the opposite direction only makes the undulations worse. Thankfully, I’ve taken Dramamine beforehand.

Out of nowhere, three guys appear and silently move to the open car door. One by one, they gingerly stick their necks out, measure when the car door of the passing train will align, and then slip across like silk. It takes less than five seconds, and it’s so sudden and wildly dangerous that I feel like I’ve hallucinated the whole thing.

The following seven hours pass in a blur, mostly because I’m lolling about like a bobblehead doll the entire ride.

[savinjithr]

SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS IN SRI LANKA

Nestled within Sri Lanka, Sigiriya stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It emerges between Habarana and Dambulla, originating from the legacy of an extinct volcano. Recognized as Lion Rock, this 200-meter-high vertical fortress was constructed by King Kasyapa in the 5th century CE, holding immense historical value for Sri Lanka.

Adorning the fortress walls are enigmatic frescoes portraying unnamed women, a cryptic narrative that eludes interpretation. Only 18 of these frescoes have persevered through centuries, preserving fragments of a forgotten tale.

The architectural brilliance of Sigiriya unfolds in its intricate hydraulic system, showcasing bridges, dams, serene lakes, and underground water pumps. Once boasting a mirror-like sheen, the Mirror Wall now bears the patina of time, yet remains a relic of ancient craftsmanship.

As the day fades, the allure of Sigiriya's history and architectural marvels continue to captivate, defining it as an invaluable repository of Sri Lanka's rich heritage.

[finer-things-blogs]

Comfort nestled within the bounty of Nature

The creature comforts of the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana are nothing but amazing. With well-lit rooms and a design that incorporates the style of Sri Lanka, it merges with the modern technology of today - making the Lodge ready for anyone! 

[melanihe]

• Calm and quite! ✨ What are your plants for this weekend? I’m curious || 🌺🇱🇰 • . #happyweekend #memories #HelloFrom #SriLanka #Habarana #safari #sinhala #happy #srilankan #italian #girl #LoveTheWorld #travelsrilanka #srilankadaily #visitsrilanka #passionpassport #colombostreetstyle #worldnomads #iamatraveler #travelphotography #nature #landscape #culturetrip #me_srilankan #staycurious #peaceofmind #dametraveler #sheisnotlost #traveldeeper #girlpowertravel (presso Habarana Elephant Safari) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCfyN4-h2DI/?igshid=1j9jzf3lz973c

[trulysrilanka]

A Break to Remember

Spend your break in a home away from home. Cinnamon Lodge Habarana offers personalised room service suited for royalty.

[riyasdiary]

Habarana, Sri Lanka.🇱🇰 || 21. August 2018